Title:            Research Leader: Innovation/Science

 

Reports to:    Research Group Director

 

Location:      Cambridge, UK

 

You are an excellent researcher with an established track record of high-quality research, business development and management. As an excellent communicator you are known by policy-makers and researchers in your field and external organisations. You believe that innovation, science and technology policy is essential for securing future prosperity across Europe and increased quality of life and that policy needs to ensure the best advances are tempered by social justice and equity for all parts of society.

The Innovation, Health & Science research group at RAND Europe conducts innovative policy research on agendas critical to the design of high-performing research and innovation systems, and harnessing the global goods of novel technologies for the benefit of all parts of society.

IHS’ high-impact research is recognised internationally and directly influences policy development in the UK and Europe. Recent high-profile publications have addressed anti-microbial resistance, mobility of researchers, innovation in health systems and the impacts of technology on society.

You will build your own research portfolio, develop your own track record and work closely with other research leaders at RAND Europe. You will grow RAND Europe’s reputation as a contributor to internationally significant policy debates, and develop our external audiences across government, with international organisations, businesses and the public. You will promote mixed-methods and interdisciplinary research in keeping with our mission to improve policy-making for the public good.

As a visionary researcher, with a talent for managing research teams, you will generate ideas, nurture talent and enthuse internal and external partners to support your research.

You can find out more about RAND Europe on our website: https://www.rand.org/randeurope.html

Research Leader

You will be a visible ambassador for RAND Europe, raising its profile with relevant audiences whenever possible. You will also:

• Role model the behaviours RAND Europe seeks in employees which ensure a collegial atmosphere which supports our values; you can view our values charter at: https://www.rand.org/randeurope/about/values-charter.html
• Develop and maintain a network of contacts with relevant individuals and organizations in the public policy area.
• Inspire and engage in collaboration; establish productive relationships across RAND and externally.

Research and Team Management

Within RAND Europe, your responsibilities for research and team management include:

• Developing and implementing a strategy and supporting plans to build your personal research portfolio.
• Accepting full responsibility for the quality of research outputs, maintaining and improving existing high standards, and continuously enhancing quality.
• Working as part of a team, leading, inspiring, motivating and developing staff in line with our values and competences.
• Providing supportive management to project and proposal teams that you lead.
• Generating imaginative research projects and partnerships across a broad range of relevant issues.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with other internal teams and external organizations.
• Providing effective project management experience, including experience of budget management.
• Demonstrating strong quantitative and/or qualitative methodological skills covering two or more of the following areas: literature review (i.e. rapid evidence assessment or systematic review), stakeholder engagement (i.e. structured or semi-structured interviews, focus groups, workshops, gaming), design of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, intervention logics, indicator design and data collection (qualitative and quantitative), economics and impact assessment (cost-benefit analysis, multi-criteria analysis).

Communications/Publications

In addition to conducting world-class research you will be expected to:

• Raise our profile through your networks with policy-makers, partners and the media.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for communication and dissemination of project findings, through publications, seminars, workshops, and the full range of on-line resources.
• Further communicate your research and gain visibility for RAND Europe through our website, social media and other media channels.
• Work closely with the Communications team to deliver these goals.

Business development

As the leader of a research portfolio, you will be responsible for generating funding through proposals and business development:

• Adopting an entrepreneurial approach to securing new sources of research funding. Annual target of £250K - £300K.
• Leading the preparation of funding applications, designing the research approach and commercial offer in collaboration with other teams in RAND and with partners as appropriate.
• Building and maintaining deep relationships with government funding departments, the European Commission, foundations, corporate partners and other significant funding sources.

Personal Specification

Essential Qualifications, Experience and Knowledge:

• Extensive experience and a strong track record within your field of study with consistent performance in successfully delivering substantial, policy-relevant research projects .
• Demonstrable experience of being able to successfully develop, manage and motivate teams and get the best from colleagues.
• A strong network of policy and funding contacts with a track record of successfully securing research funding.
• Deep experience of engaging with governmental departments, international institutions, foundations and businesses.
• Masters in relevant subject area. A PhD would be advantageous but not essential.
• RAND Europe’s working language is English. Fluency in another language would be an advantage but is not essential.

This role is based in Cambridge, although there will be some requirement to travel and spend brief periods visiting clients in Europe, in particular RAND Europe’s Brussels office, and possibly also visiting RAND Corporation offices in the USA.

Applications are welcomed from those with a background in the public sector, academia or consultancy.

In your application you must state your eligibility to work in the EU.

Salary: Competitive

Work Pattern: Full time (5 days a week)

Benefits package
As a member of the team you will enjoy:
- Pension scheme
- Bupa medical insurance
- 33 days annual leave inclusive of public holidays
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

- Permanent health insurance
- Group life assurance
- A professional, engaging, multinational work environment
- Employee wellbeing initiatives – such as cycle to work schemes, fresh fruit, free tea & coffee, company bikes

How to apply

If you feel that you have the qualities to be a part of our team, please submit an application via RAND Europe’s online careers portal. You will need to submit a CV, covering letter and a short writing sample (up to 3 pages, aimed at a non-technical audience). Please note, your CV, covering letter and writing sample must be submitted as a single document.

The deadline for applications is 10 March 2019.